Mercy JohnsonThe Katsina State Police command, on Monday, confirmed the death of seven people who were killed on the spot as Bandits attacked the Maulud procession in Kusa town, Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
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Two other people died in the hospital while receiving treatment, making it a total of nine fatal victims.
The police spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu revealed that the bandits stormed the religious procession a few minutes after 10 pm on Sunday, firing multiple gunshots at attendees of the occasion.
Aliyu said: “On November 5, 2023, at about 10:30 pm, bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked the Maulud procession at Rugar Kusa village, Musawa Local Government Area, Katsina State.
“Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilised and swung into action, where they succeeded in repelling the attack. Seven people were shot dead, and 18 people sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the attack and were evacuated to the General Hospital Musawa for immediate medical attention.
“However, two people out of the injured were confirmed dead by the doctor while receiving treatment. Investigation is still ongoing. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Further development will be communicated in due course.”
Residents of the area also attested to the attack of the bandits, confirming that they surrounded the Islamic gathering and began shooting at random.
“The bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshots at the participants, injuring many and taking several captives away,” a resident said.
Reports have it that some injured victims were taken to the Musawa General Hospital for treatment, and others were taken to the General Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital, Katsina.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, visited the community on Monday to empathise with the residents upon learning about the incident on his return from Kaduna.
This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.
He said: “His Excellency commiserated with the victims and assured them that the government would do all in its power to ensure that peace returns to the entire state.
“He said he was disturbed by what happened and condoled with those who lost their lives and visited some victims. Some of the villagers thanked the governor for the visit. They said it was the first time a governor was commiserating with them and they commended him for setting up community watch corps and assured him that they will be praying for his success in the war against banditry.”
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